An Outbreak Of Coronavirus Sermons

Posted on March 22, 2020 by Danny Glover

Churches of Christ across America have been canceling worship services, gospel meetings and Bible classes in an effort to help “flatten the curve” of the deadly coronavirus, but the disease hasn’t squelched the gospel. To the contrary, the virus has inspired preachers and teachers to re-examine God’s Word in the context of the ongoing pandemic.

There has been an outbreak of sermons about fear, tribulation, sin and other topics as Christians try to make sense of extraordinary times. Many of the lessons are being live-streamed to people’s homes from empty auditoriums or preachers’ offices. Some churches are broadcasting interactive video classes and lectures precisely to address issues raised by the changes in worship the virus has inspired.

Below is a list of podcasts and videos produced at non-institutional churches of Christ in March, April and May. We welcome link suggestions for sermons we haven’t discovered in our own online searches.

Anxiety and Fear
– Anxiety, Corona and Christians (Mark Roberts)
– Be Anxious for Nothing (Curtis Cooper)
– Be Anxious for Nothing (Jim Jonas)
– Calming Fears As We Walk Through the Valley of Coronavirus (Brent Hunter)
– Coping with Fear (David Flatt)
– Courage in the Face of Fear (Daniel Linden)
– Death: Our Enemy … I Will Not Be Afraid (Nick Angel)
– Do Not Be Anxious (Nathan Combs)
– Do Not Fear (Sewell Hall)
– Do Not Fear; Only Believe (Daniel Stauss)
– Don’t Fear and Be Ready, Luke 12:4-13:9 (Ryan Boyer)
– Don’t Worry (Rick Lucas)
– Faith over Fear (Larry McLenny)
– Fear (Bill McIlvain)
– Fear Gone Pandemic (Alan Yeater)
– Fear Versus Trust (Jamey Hinds)
– Fearless (Brent Kercheville)
– Fight the Fear (Roger Cox)
– From Fear to Faith (Jordan Shouse)
– Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled (Donnie Rader)
– Lord, Build My Faith in Times of Fear (Andrew Roberts)
– Managing Anxieties (Doy Moyer, Zack Lee)
– Overcoming Anxiety (Tim Bunting)
– Peace! Be Still (Jacob Hudgins)
– A People without Fear (Jared Bollman)
– Relieving the Weight of Anxiety (Josh McKibben)
– A Spirit of Fear (Kris Vilander)
– The Weakness of Worry (Zeke Flores)
– Why Trusts When We Can Worry? (Wayne Chamberlain)
– Worry Fear and Foolishness (Steven Tramell)

Christian Perspective
– Be a Lifter (Phil Arnold)
– Benefits of Suffering (Kevin Kay)
– Blessings in Disaster (Robert Fudge)
– The Christian and Crisis (Stephen Russell)
– The Christian Response to Crisis (Charles Payne)
– A Christian’s Perspective on COVID-19 (Dan Koen)
– A Christian’s Response to the Pandemic (Jeremy Sweets)
– A Christian’s Response to Trouble (Boyd Jennings)
– Christians and Pandemics (Steve Wolfgang)
– God’s People in Isolation (Scott Smelser)
– How about Some ‘Good News’ (Billy Randolph)
– How Does God Want Us to Deal with This Crisis? (Gardner Hall)
– Isolation, the Bible and Your Kids (Expressway church of Christ)
– Isolation Tips : Part 1, Part 2 (Expressway church of Christ)
– It’s Time to Shine (Adam Litmer)
– Now I Am Grateful For (Mike Thomas)
– Our Great Wait (Jason Cicero)
– Positivity in a Pandemic (Wiley Deason)
– The Power of Prayer (Nathan Quinn)
– Q&A: Coronavirus (Jacob Hudgins)
– Redeeming the Present Opportunities (Keith Welch)
– Seeing the Good in Everything (Ty Leach)
– Self-Reflection  (Brian Price)
– Stay Focused (Mark Broyles)
– True Prosperity (Jerry King)
– Virtue and Viruses: Redeeming the Time (Mike Brenneman)
– What Are Christians to Do in a Global Pandemic? (Andy Sochor)
– What a Little Virus Showed Us (Mike McCrary)
– What Has Coronavirus Revealed about Us? (Benjamin Lee)
– When Life Gives You Lemons (Jeremy Bard)
– When It Goes Well for the Righteous (Daniel Ruegg)
– Without Complaining (Matt Lannom)
– The Wisdom of the Present (Jeff Wilson)
– You Have Need of Endurance (Jesse Flowers)

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Binge The Bible During The Coronavirus Pandemic

Posted on March 18, 2020 by Danny Glover
Screen shot about coronavirus from a church website

A sample church website announcement about the ongoing coronavirus

The global pandemic alternately known as coronavirus or COVID-19 has created chaos for saints eager to “stimulate one another to love and good deeds” by assembling regularly in one location (Heb. 10:24-25). To prevent the spread of the virus, the federal government has recommended that people not gather in groups of more than 10, and some states have banned most group events outright or even mandated that citizens shelter in place.

But in today’s digital age, Christians are refusing to let a nasty virus keep them from studying God’s word together. Churches of Christ across the country are turning to Facebook, YouTube and other online networks to stream video Bible studies and sermons live. The technology is creating opportunities not only for members of their own congregations to build their faith during trying times but also for members of other churches that do not yet have such capabilities.

These live streams provide a great opportunity to binge the Bible together virtually while stuck inside our homes. Below is a work-in-progress list of churches of Christ that offer live streams and/or recorded video sermons. We’ve also compiled a more comprehensive list of audio recordings of sermons by congregation. Click here for links to those archives.

Feel free to recommend links to other live streams and sermon podcasts.

Alabama
– Anderson church of Christ
– Black Creek church of Christ
– Brookhill church of Christ
– Cahaba Heights church of Christ
– Capshaw church of Christ
– Carriger church of Christ
– Chelsea church of Christ
– College View church of Christ
– Danville Road church of Christ
– East Albertville church of Christ
– Eastside church of Christ
– Edward’s Lake church of Christ
– Ephesus church of Christ
– Fultondale church of Christ
– Gardendale church of Christ
– Gooch Lane church of Christ
– Helena church of Christ
– Hueytown church of Christ
– Jones Road church of Christ
– Jordan Park church of Christ
– Kimberly church of Christ
– Marion Street church of Christ
– Market Street church of Christ
– Moody church of Christ
– Mount Zion church of Christ
– North Jasper church of Christ
– Northside church of Christ
– Oak Mountain church of Christ
– Oakland church of Christ
– Pepper Road church of Christ
– Perry Hill Road church of Christ
– Pine Lane church of Christ
– Pleasant Valley church of Christ
– Sandlin Road church of Christ
– Saraland church of Christ
– Somerville Road church of Christ
– South Cullman church of Christ
– Springville church of Christ
– Stanley Avenue church of Christ
– Trussville church of Christ
– Vestavia church of Christ
– Weatherly Heights church of Christ
– Westview church of Christ
– Wilsonville church of Christ

Arizona
– Central church of Christ (Mesa)
– Country Club Road church of Christ
– Glendale church of Christ
– Northwest Valley church of Christ

Arkansas
– Bald Knob church of Christ
– Cabot Westside church of Christ
– Fairview Park church of Christ
– Highway 65 church of Christ
– Main and 13th church of Christ (Blytheville)
– Northside church of Christ (Conway)
– Northside church of Christ (Greenwood)
– Park Hill church of Christ
– Quitman church of Christ
– Saratoga church of Christ
– Stoneridge church of Christ (Jonesboro)
– Village Creek church of Christ (Paragould)
– West 65th Street church of Christ
– Westside church of Christ (Springdale)

California
– Buenaventura church of Christ
– Clovis church of Christ
– Johnson Avenue church of Christ
– Los Osos church of Christ
– Lompoc church of Christ
– Miller Avenue church of Christ
– Rosedale church of Christ
– SunGarden church of Christ
– Venice church of Christ
– Winnetka Avenue church of Christ

Colorado
– Westside church of Christ

Delaware
– Kent & Sussex church of Christ

Florida
– Brandon church of Christ
– Central church of Christ
– Citrus Park church of Christ
– Dade City church of Christ
– Glen Springs church of Christ
– Golden Triangle church of Christ
– Lakeshore church of Christ
– Livingston Avenue church of Christ
– Merrit Island church of Christ
– Palm Springs Drive church of Christ
– South Bumby church of Christ
– Southside church of Christ
– Temple Terrace church of Christ
– University church of Christ
– Valrico church of Christ
– West Palm Beach church of Christ
– Zephyrhills church of Christ

Georgia
– Alpharetta church of Christ
– Covington church of Christ
– Embry Hills church of Christ
– Martinez church of Christ
– Moultrie Road church of Christ
– South Fayette church of Christ

Continue reading →

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The Sting of Betrayal

Posted on February 17, 2019 by Danny Glover

One element of Absalom’s rebellion against his father, King David, involved Ahithophel. He was one of David’s trusted counselors, but he sided with Absalom instead.

The deep hurt that David felt from this betrayal was evident in Psalm 55:12-14. “For it is not an enemy who reproaches me, then I could bear it,” David wrote. “Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me, then I could hide myself from him. But it is you, a man my equal, my companion and my familiar friend;we who had sweet fellowship together walked in the house of God in the throng.”

Ahithophel was a prototype of Judas, Jesus’ betrayer in the New Testament. But one of the differences in the situations is that Jesus knew beforehand that he would be betrayed — and he knew his betrayer. He called out Judas at the Last Supper, the prototype for this memorial that we partake of this morning.

I merged the accounts of that story in the gospels and will read it now:

When the hour had come, He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him. And He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.”

When Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, that one of you will betray Me. Behold, the hand of the one betraying Me is with Mine on the table. For indeed, the Son of Man is going as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!”

The disciples began looking at one another, at a loss to know of which one He was speaking. Being deeply grieved, they each one began to say to Him, “Surely not I, Lord?” There was reclining on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. So Simon Peter gestured to him, and said to him, “Tell us who it is of whom He is speaking.” He, leaning back thus on Jesus’ bosom, said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus then answered, “That is the one for whom I shall dip the morsel and give it to him.” The Son of Man is to go, just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”

And Judas, who was betraying Him, said, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself.” So when He had dipped the morsel, He took and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. After the morsel, Satan then entered into him. Therefore Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” So after receiving the morsel he went out immediately; andit was night.

… Then He came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!” While He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people. Judas was preceding them. Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.” And he approached Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss? Friend, do what you have come for.” Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him.

Jesus felt the sting of that betrayal, just as David felt the sting of Ahithophel’s betrayal. And it was actually just one of multiple betrayals Jesus endured. Peter denied him three times, and most of His disciples left Jesus that night. Yet He went through with the crucifixion — for all of us, who betray Him still every time we sin.

Let’s think about that this morning as we remember the emblems of His broken body and blood, given for us so that we could have the hope of heaven.

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For more ideas to share at the Lord’s Supper, see:
– Christ Before Our Eyes: 52 Readings to Draw Closer to Christ at the Lord’s Supper
– Beneath the Cross: Essays and Reflections on the Lord’s Supper

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The Greatest Blood Donation of All Time

Posted on August 5, 2018 by Danny Glover

Back in 1951, an Australian man named James Harrison needed 13 pints of other people’s blood to endure a major chest operation that took hours. After hearing that, he vowed to become a blood donor as soon as he was eligible at age 18.

At about this time health officials in the country were trying to figure out how to prevent thousands of miscarriages caused by hemolytic disease. Known as HDN, it often occurs when a mother with Rh-negative blood becomes pregnant with a child of Rh-positive blood. The mother’s body is incompatible for the child’s blood and attacks it.

Doctors determined that donated plasma with a rare antibody could prevent this rejection. They searched blood banks and found what they wanted in James Harrison, who had been donating blood regularly for a decade.

Harrison donated plasma from his blood for the first time in 1967. It was such a perfect match that the government built an entire program around it, creating an injection for pregnant women called Anti-D. Harrison donated his blood and plasma regularly over the next 60 years, helping more than 2.4 million Australian babies survive in the womb. One of them was his own grandchild.

His blood saved millions of lives. You may see where I’m going with this.

About 2,000 years ago, the Son of Man in Israel fulfilled His destiny to become a blood donor for the whole world. The imperfect blood of sacrificial bulls and goats had fulfilled their purpose for a time, but they could never be redemptive. Mankind needed the pure, perfect blood of Jesus for that.

Heb. 9:11-14
But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

The Great Physician gave His own blood and His own body to save all of us and everyone else who comes to Him. And He gave us this memorial to remember every week what He did – the unleavened bread, which represents His broken body on the cross, and the fruit of the vine, which represents the blood that reconciled us to God.

May we partake of this spiritual feast today in a manner pleasing to God and befitting the greatest blood donation of all time.

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For more ideas to share at the Lord’s Supper, see:
– Christ Before Our Eyes: 52 Readings to Draw Closer to Christ at the Lord’s Supper
– Beneath the Cross: Essays and Reflections on the Lord’s Supper

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The Dichotomy of the Lord’s Supper

Posted on March 26, 2017 by Danny Glover

This morning I want to talk about a dichotomy in scripture. Dichotomy is one of those big words that I recall in vague terms but always have to look up before I use it to make sure I remembered the meaning correctly. It describes something with seemingly contradictory qualities.

The Lord’s Supper is a dichotomy in a sense.

On the one hand, it’s a solemn memorial. We gather each week to remember the sacrificial death of the perfect, sinless Son of God and the agony he endured on the cross. On the other hand, it’s a hopeful reminder of the promise of everlasting life.

As Paul wrote in I Corinthians 15:54-57: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Jesus didn’t deserve to have His body, which is represented by this bread, marred, mutilated and mocked. But He rose in, and from, that dead body and then went home to His Father. So can we.

As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. (I Corinthians 15:48-49)

The Messiah didn’t deserve to have His blood, which is represented by this cup, dripping from his feet, his hands and his brow, or pouring from His pierced side. But there is life in His blood; there is power in His blood.

“For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:13-14)

“Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” (Romans 5:9)

So as we do every week, let’s remember the death of Jesus — and the life we have in Him.

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For more ideas to share at the Lord’s Supper, see:
– Christ Before Our Eyes: 52 Readings to Draw Closer to Christ at the Lord’s Supper
– Beneath the Cross: Essays and Reflections on the Lord’s Supper

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Jesus Said

Posted on April 21, 2009 by Danny Glover

By Jack Glover

Jesus said, “Are you still lacking in understanding also? Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? 18 But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man.” (Matt. 15:16-20).

Several times in his ministry, Jesus had a problem with getting his point across. Too often the people would make application to physical events or actions and completely miss the lesson taught. Such was the case in this teaching about eating with unwashed hands.

Although cleanliness is important, changing what is in the heart (mind) of man really cleanses. Proof positive of this is our very own nation. Many Americans have a desire to remove God and His teaching from their hearts, and the results are as evident, or more so, than they were in Israel of old.

They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you are Abraham’s children, do the deeds of Abraham. But as it is, you are seeking to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth, which I heard from God; this Abraham did not do. You are doing the deeds of your father.” (John 8:39-41)

Jesus had told those questioning Him that He would make them free, meaning free from the Law and sin. They said they already were free because of heritage, being Abraham’s children. Basing freedom on being children of Abraham was not good reasoning because Abraham’s offspring had been in captivity several times by then, although those speaking said they had never been in bondage.

Many today sound like those speaking to Jesus back then, although for different reasons. Jesus said freedom is based on truth: “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31)

Freedom based on feelings, heritage, doctrines of men, etc., is no freedom at all but is slavery to the wrong father. “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).

But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.” (Matt. 13:57)

Sometimes the return home doesn’t go as expected. Unfortunately that is often true when the hometown boy comes to preach. Although they were astonished at Jesus’ ability and knowledge, it seemed to stir their jealousy more than acceptance. The people could not accept His teaching because they knew His family as well as Him. We might say, “Who does he think he is?”

Their question was, “Is this not the carpenters son?” What Jesus taught should not have been accepted or rejected based on who he was but on truth. Far too often today, we are influenced by who the speaker is rather than what is said. We must not allow preconceived ideas or personal relationships to determine truth.

Remember, Jesus said:

For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matt. 15:25-26)

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The Economy And The Bible

Posted on January 30, 2009 by Danny Glover

By Jack Glover

It would be an understatement to say the economy is not good. Most of us know things are not well in our nation in more ways than one. The job losses are tremendous. Some who have worked for companies many years no longer have workplaces to go to. The economy has brought hard or difficult times to companies, families, schools and even to the jobs that no one wanted to do.

How should the Christian react to these hard times? Most of us have had plenty, and more than plenty, in the last few years. We could live on a lot less if it became necessary. Our houses are full of “things” that are not needed to sustain life. We have had it good.

Should we want to give it all up and go back to doing without? I’m not sure that is necessary, but we do need to prepare to make adjustments when needed. What are some biblical principles that will assist us when we face changes to our economic lifestyle?

God knows our needs. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:33). I know this statement seems trite, but it is also true. Trust in God is necessary to see us through when things look hopeless. If it is good, it comes from God (James 1:17). Jesus emphasized that we are not alone on this earth when He said “your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.”

Some adjustment may be necessary. Paul had a hard life (II Cor. 11:23-28). He could not depend on a steady flow of income. Yet the lesson he teaches is to adjust to your situation.

He told the Philippians (4:12), “I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” He didn’t say he liked the situation but had learned to adjust to it.

Life has its ups and downs, and many of them are beyond our control. Change comes in many ways, but instead of being controlled by the changes, we are to adjust to them.
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The Election Is Over

Posted on December 2, 2008 by Danny Glover

By Jack Glover

The longest presidential election campaign in history is finally over, and we soon will have a new president taking office.

Over the centuries God’s people have lived under about every type of government imaginable. Some were good, but most were, or became, morally bad. In many cases the wickedness was almost beyond description. Even the chosen people of God became guilty of joining with the people of nations around them, and thus incurred God’s wrath and punishment.

Just one of many instances of what God thought of their disobedience is found in Lev. 26:27- 33:

“Yet if in spite of this you do not obey Me, but act with hostility against Me, then I will act with wrathful hostility against you, and I, even I, will punish you seven times for your sins. Further, you will eat the flesh of your sons and the flesh of your daughters you will eat.

“I then will destroy your high places, and cut down your incense altars, and heap your remains on the remains of your idols, for My soul shall abhor you. I will lay waste your cities as well and will make your sanctuaries desolate, and I will not smell your soothing aromas. I will make the land desolate so that your enemies who settle in it will be appalled over it.

“You, however, I will scatter among the nations and will draw out a sword after you, as your land becomes desolate and your cities become waste.”

During Old Testament times, God had chosen one nation of people, Israel. With the coming of Christ, after his death and resurrection, a new kingdom was established that included people of all nations. The old Law was superseded by the law of Christ, and all nations were subject to it (Gal. 3:8, I Pet. 2:9). Christians today are told to pray for their leaders (I Tim. 2:1) and be subject to their government (Rom. 13:1-7).

President-elect Barack Obama claims to be a Christian, although his exposed knowledge of the Bible and his political positions cast some doubt on that. He may view being a Christian as most of the world does, but most of the world follows writings of men (Matt. 15:9), not those of Jesus and his chosen apostles. One is not a Christian unless he follows Christ.
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Politics And Religion

Posted on October 16, 2008 by Danny Glover

By Jack Glover

Jesus was not a politician, although he would have been a good one, especially when it came to answering hard and tricky questions. Look at the ways He dealt with the questions asked by the scribes and Pharisees when their motive was to find fault with Him.

The scribes and Pharisees (also the Sadducees) were the leaders of the Jewish religion. They did not live in a democracy but under Roman control. Their nation (Israel) no longer exercised any governmental control because of sin and rejection of God’s laws. Jesus had come to teach and restore them, but they rejected Him, too. Most nations at that time lived under kings or military control, so the people had little input into the laws they lived under.

There were those among the Jewish leaders who thought Jesus was falsely claiming to be the earthly king they expected, but Jesus proclaimed: “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” (John 18:36).

Indeed Jesus was a king. The laws of this kingdom had been in his Father’s plan from the beginning and were unchangeable. His kingdom was not limited to one nation as was true previously (Luke 24:47).

This new spiritual kingdom was open to people from all nations who would obey the laws of entry and continue in them. Of Jesus and this kingdom it was said: “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” (Luke 1:32-33).

Jesus never challenged Roman rule. In fact, He turned the tables on those who challenged Him concerning payment of taxes by saying “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matt. 22:21).

Like Jesus, Christians are subject to government (Rom. 13:1). However, our relationship to government is different than that of Jesus. Our nation is a democracy, where each person is given a voice, allowed to vote, criticize actions, etc. This gives Christians the unique opportunity to express political views that are based on scripture. We can vote for leaders according to how their views, on any subject, compare with scripture. Many Christians fail to use this privilege to stand against the evils that are overcoming the United States and the government that rules it.

In very few days, our nation will have an election that will give every Christian a voice in determining what kind of people will rule over us. I have expressed previously the need for Christians to get involved in changing the path of our nation. We have been granted the blessing of being in subjection to government while, at the same time, voting to change leaders and laws. It’s a privilege few enjoy.

We may not think politics and religion mix, but in this case they do. Separation of church and state is not a biblical principle. Christians must oppose evil no matter its source (Eph. 6:10-13). Jesus or the apostles never joined a protest against the Roman government, but they spoke plainly against sin. Sin is sin, and a Christian cannot support it in any form by one person or a group of persons.

It is obvious that those in our government are supporting many kinds of sin. How long will it be before a Christian is breaking the law if he speaks against homosexuality? Will we be forced to accept “same-sex marriage” as we have abortion, loss of public prayer, display of the Ten Commandments, etc? Does it ever occur to you that Christians have the right to fight against, or vote out leaders, who support these sins and many others. Many of them are guilty of some of the sins themselves. Is it any wonder they support laws that allow them to exist freely in our society?

One more time we call on Christians, and others who are concerned about the direction our nation is going, to vote against sin, no matter what your party affiliation is. Every time an election occurs, our nation is deeper in and more supportive of actions that the Bible plainly list as sins. Each election we see a nation deeper in sin and the justification of it.

Do we ignore such scriptures as this: “Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, [b]factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (Gal. 5:19-21). Paul said, ” For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18).

History, and the scriptures, reveal that God will not allow a nation to exist in sin forever. Either we can make an effort to change it or God will. When God makes the change, it is never pretty. Look at the history of Israel and other nations as they progress through the Bible. Is that what we want to happen to us?

I don’t know when or how it will happen, but it will happen if we don’t insist that our leaders, courts and people turn to righteousness. Christians fight sinful practices, not support them. “Like a trampled spring and a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.” (Prov. 25:26).

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Going To Heaven

Posted on September 13, 2008 by Danny Glover

By Jack Glover

Do you think much about heaven? We all know, in spite of medical miracles, life passes quickly. Job said of man: “Like a flower he comes forth and withers. He also flees like a shadow and does not remain. (14:2). He also said, “For we are only of yesterday and know nothing, because our days on earth are as a shadow (8:9).

It is an indisputable fact that all of us will die. But what happens after that?

The scriptures are explicit about life after death. All will continue to exist but in spiritual bodies (I Cor. 15:35-58). We are told this spiritual body will either exist in a state of punishment or joy. Paul says: “to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. There will be tribulation and distress [a]for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Rom. 2:7-10).

Whether we live in punishment or joy will depend on how we live our lives while on the earth, before our deaths. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment (Heb. 9:27).

Back to the question, do you think much about heaven? It would seem that because our lives in our physical bodies is short, we would be concerned about the next one. All of us will live eternally in heaven or hell. The rules that determine where we go are found in the scriptures: “He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day” (John 12:48). Jesus made it very plain that how we follow his teaching, not how we follow laws man has made, will determine our fates in the future life.
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